A Toast to 2011

In 12 hours we welcome the New Year of 2012.

Though I have only served as a Local Editor since August, I freelanced with Castro Valley Patch and the former San Lorenzo Patch earlier this month) since they launched over a year ago.

Looking back, I recall a year filled with stories of tragedy, controversy and accomplishments. Some stories were covered by the site's former local editors, freelance reporters and yours truly.

I wanted to highlight my 11 most memorable stories from 2011. So here they are (in no particular order):

1.

in November 2010 by columnist Dana Leipold sparked 39 comments. Though residents from Five Canyons and Palomares seemed happy with the opening, a majority of readers expressed their disappointment, wishing a different grocery story had opened in place of .

2.

The months-long search for Bay Area nursing student Michelle Le came to an end in September, when . However, the undying hope her family showed was contagious among the many who helped search and .

3.

A milestone for the 68 students of the San Lorenzo charter school, their proud parents and the supportive community.  featured of the inaugural graduating class.

4.

Haley LaFlamme, 26, was descending from the 5,000-foot peak when she fell 600 feet in late July. The story particularly touched , who wrote about .

5.

One of the most controversial stories to hit the San Lorenzo Village. For the first time in the association's history, homeowners of the San Lorenzo Village Association voted in a recall election, deciding to

6.

Possibly one of the most tragic stories I have ever had to cover, of having to write about what many parents would consider their worst nightmare.

7.

Dubbed the Rainbow Rally, it was the first-ever gay pride rally to hit the valley. Though a few protesters were present, hundreds came out to show their support for LGBT community. Organizers eventully formed Castro Valley Pride, an unofficial group that .

8.

After already struggling with a terrible economy, the that began mid-year as part of the $75,000 With the help of the Alameda County Redevelopment Agency, a they have and continue to suffer. For more infomation on the Boulevard Bucks program and its participating merchants, .

9.

A local story that gained national attention due to its connection with the big box store and popular shopping day. Patch followed through as the of the San Lorenzo resident were arrested.

10.

In March, the Municipal Advisory Council wanted to know whether the artist would allow the sculpture to be relocated to Lake Chabot or the By mid-July, Alameda County District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley ... unless CV incorporates, then it may get its sign back!

11.

If you're from "San Lo" you can't help but smile when watching this music video parody by native Matt DeLima. From the to the , it highlights the infamous spots of SLZ.

And that ends 2011, hopefully on a happy note. To the year that was and looking forward to the year to come!

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